Twitter's new bid to end online abuse could endanger dissidents

The social network is forcing Tor users and serial trolls to register their mobile phone numbers - but that won't stop dedicated abusers, and may expose anonymous users in repressive regimes

Twitter has started forcing users of the Tor anonymity network - along with serial trolls - to register their phone numbers, in order to stop abuse.

Users given short-term suspensions for abuse will be required to register their phone number with Twitter, a step that is currently optional, so the company can track trolls and block them from creating multiple accounts.